According to this ,Yamaha offered Marquez a blank check and a promise that if he accepted, Rossi would not be re- signed. Marquez turned down offer out of respect for Rossi and still felt he owed Honda his services for everything they have done for his career. I’m not buying it but anything is feasible I guess.
Translation diariogol.com
According to sources consulted, in Yamaha they made an offer to Marc when the ilerdense had not yet renewed with Honda . A proposal that included the non-renewal of Rossi , which had been given without hesitation, and a blank check, which the Catalan finally rejected.
The four-time champion preferred not to create a conflict with Valentino, which he considers a myth of motorcycling, and neither with Honda Márquez he did not want to leave behind the Japponese brand after having been the team that trusted him from the first day he went to MotoGP and that has allowed him to win the four World Cups he has in his showcases.

It would be weird if they dropped Rossi but they might see the writing on the wall and know without Matquez to ride around their current problems it could be a long time between titles for them. They've thrown their eggs in the Vinales basket and maybe think that he's not Lorenzo like they had hoped he was.

It sure makes a good story. I think Marquez would rather have Rossi on track as long as possible though. The feeling of beating him (and the Yellow army) after all that 2015 bullshit must feel too good and I would imagine that he wants to do that as much as possible. I can't help but wonder what Rossi would think of Yamaha after hearing such a rumour though, regardless if it's true or not.

This sounds like typical irresponsible rumor mongering. If such an offer were really made - it would have been top top secret and unlikely to have ever come to light. Personally - I don't think Marquez is concerned with beating Rossi. Rossi's day is done. Fake news.

This sounds like typical irresponsible rumor mongering. If such an offer were really made - it would have been top top secret and unlikely to have ever come to light. Personally - I don't think Marquez is concerned with beating Rossi. Rossi's day is done. Fake news.

Since 2014, Rossi has been runner up to Marquez in the title race three times, and beaten him in the title race once.

Since 2014, Rossi has been runner up to Marquez in the title race three times, and beaten him in the title race once.

From 2014-2016 there were only 4 bikes that had any chance of winning a championship. During that time Pedrosa on one of those 4 bikes was struggling with injuries and the associated surgeries he has had to try and fix them. That leaves 3 bikes. Rossi had two men to beat. In 2015 Marquez was riding a bike that even he couldn't tame which meant Rossi had one man to beat. Sure it does sound great when you say he was runner up 3x but he came second out of 3 riders realistically.

Last year there was 6 healthy riders on 6 competitive bikes and he came 5th.